The safe sex, drink and drugs campaign has been designed to combat the high levels of teenage pregnancy in St Helens.

Many of the women presenting with unwanted pregnancies at the town's clinics say being drunk was a major factor in having unprotected sex.

Now the town's month-long campaign is branching out from classrooms into nightclubs and pubs.

Hard-hitting posters and beer mats will also be used to target the 18 to 25-year-olds.

Sexual health, drugs and alcohol workers will be in the town centre tonight and tomorrow and next Thursday and Friday evenings, providing support, information and free condoms.

Health adviser Jane Marshall said: "We aim to plug into young people in their social environment.

"St Helens has a large number of teenage pregnancies and we want to pass on practical advice and information about drugs and safe sex.

"Drink is a huge factor in unprotected sex because it removes people's inhibitions and they are not thinking so clearly about the implications of their actions."

Cllr John Fletcher, executive member for Health, said: "The campaign aims to encourage people not to become complacent about their sexual health, drug or alcohol use and to ensure that people are aware of free, confidential and friendly advice and support services in St Helens.

"The messages on the posters and beer mats are direct and promote safer sex, safer drug use and awareness of drinks being spiked."